This rock, overlooking Burnett's Creek, is
where Tecumseh's brother, Lowawluwaysica, The Prophet,
sang to encourage his warriors during the fight against William
Henry Harrison's soldiers
at the Battle of Tippecanoe, November 7, 1811.

PROPHET'S
ROCK UNIQUE

"At least
one unique historical landmark was created by the
Battle of Tippecanoe.

This
is Prophet's Rock, located perhaps a half mile southwest
from the west edge of the battlefield. The spot is
now marked by a monument.

The Prophet, twin brother* of
Chief Tecumseh and leader of the band of Indians at
Prophet's Town while Tecumseh was absent, stood on an
eminence during the battle and chanted to the Great
Spirit. This is according to tradition.

It is related that the
Prophet, who had given his warriors assurance that the
bullets fired by the white man would be harmless and
that victory was certain for the red man, gave the
signal for battle from what has become known as
Prophet's Rock. With his chants, he is also said
to have shouted encourage- ment to his followers.

According to some
reports, the voices of Gen. Harrison, commander of the
white forces, and the Prophet could be clearly heard
above the noise of the battle. This might seem
doubtful as to the Prophet, considering the distance of
the rock from the battlefield. Yet it might be
remembered that one of his Indian names had the literal
meaning of "Loud Voice." So perhaps it was
possible for him to be heard.

Prophet's Rock is
described as an immense mass of conglomerate, high and
picturesque, overlooking the battlefield. The rock
has been worn into caves, grooves and arches by the
eroding forces of the passing years.

At the time of
settlement, the area was popularly known as "Rattlesnake
Den," because of the heavy infestation of these reptiles
in its crevices and dens. For some years it was
said to have been the custom of nearby early settlers to
meet during the first warm days of spring for a
"killing" when the snakes would come out to bask in the
sun. A by-product of this procedure was a
bountiful supply of rattlesnake oil, for which many
benefits were claimed as a liniment, such as relieving
or curing the "rheumatiz."

The spot, located along
the blacktop county road leading from Battle Ground
southwest to Ind. 43, is owned by the Northwest Indiana
conference of the Methodist church. In 1929, the
late Dr. W. M. Reser, well known as a local historian,
and Mrs. Reser had a stone marker placed beneath the
historic ledge in the name of and for the General de
Lafayette chapter, Daughters of the American
Revolution. It was formally dedicated November 9
that year.

A short drive has
been graded into the plot, leading off the highway, for
the convenience of visitors."

Source: Lafayette Journal Courier, August
15, 1961

*Note: Tecumseh and the Prophet were not twins,
Tecumseh was born in 1768, and his brother, the Prophet,
in 1771. The Prophet was one of a set of triplets,
but not a twin to Tecumseh. Source for this
information is from the bookA Sorrow in Our
Heart-The Life of Tecumseh, 1992 by Allen Eckert.